Woking cite unauthorised absences after Jermain Defoe exits as head coach | OneFootball

Jermain Defoe left his role as Woking head coach after six matches and four months in charge, and the club have now cited unauthorised absences. The development came two days after his exit on 23 July.

The club said concerns had grown in recent weeks inside the National League side, including from players, staff and other departments, and that sporting director Jody Brown had sought explanations from Defoe.

A report on the squad, recruitment targets and difficulties was expected from Defoe and his assistant Paul Bracewell, but despite reminders it had not arrived. A meeting to review pre-season was scheduled, and neither coach attended the meeting or that day’s training.

Defoe, 43, had arrived in April. His team recorded two wins and one defeat across six games before he departed by mutual consent.

He has not commented publicly since. He posted an Instagram story encouraging Woking before a pre-season match against Reading, which Reading won 2-0.

Source: L'Équipe